MPs support bill to protect private tenants

OXFORD’S two MPs have agreed to co-sponsor a bill that would put a stop to ‘retaliation’ evictions.

Landlords can issue a no-fault section 21 eviction notice after they have been ordered to make improvements to their property by a council. But the Private Members Bill, which Andrew Smith

and Nicola Blackwood have sponsored, would put an end this.

Mr Smith, the Labour MP for Oxford East, said: “We are pleased to work together where we can in the interests of people across our two constituencies.

“We are sponsoring this bill because it would be a welcome step forward in tenants’ rights and security.”

Conservative MP for Oxford West and Abingdon Ms Blackwood, above, said: “The Oxford area has one of the highest levels of private renting in the country, and this bill would ensure that tenants can ask about repairs without facing the threat of eviction.”

According to the 2011 Census, there were 18,000 households renting across the two MPs’ constituencies. Private rented homes make up 21 per cent of all homes in the two constituencies – above the regional average of 16 per cent.

The private members bill is being brought forward by Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather and is scheduled to have its second reading in the House of Commons on Friday, November 28.

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